70-year-old US grandmother discovers her fountain of youth

If, like me, you’re one of those people that enjoy exploring the internet for new health hints and tips you’ve probably come across all types of advertisements offering to provide you with the secrets of youth – for a sizeable amount of $’s of course.

It’s called targeted advertising; the ads I see on the net are linked to my digital footprint. Because of my age and my passion for healthy living, advertisers think I’m at a stage in my life when I’m likely to be worried about the aging process and, therefore, eager to part with my cash in a desperate bid to look younger!

Now, without knocking a good skin care routine, I’m sensible enough to know that no amount of face cream or lotion is going to halt the aging process. But what if there was an easier and less expensive way that could help us to look and feel good as we age? A lifestyle choice? Would you be interested in finding out more?

So, what is her story? Well, Annette Larkins, is a 70-year-old American who looks at least 30 years younger – and guess what her secret is? No, it’s not face cream she bought on the net; Mrs Larkins credits her youthful appearance to a raw vegan diet. She grows fruit and vegetables in her garden, collects rainwater to drink and is an avid juicer. She told ABC:

My diet consists of fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds. I do a lot of sprouting of seeds…

I am very vibrant, I have lots of energy, as I told you before, I am up no later than 5:30 in the morning as a rule, and I am ready to go”.

If you take a look at her photograph, you have to agree that it’s difficult to believe she’s 70 years old.

It’s quite incredible. While her amazing youthful looks could be attributed to good genes, it has to be acknowledged that her diet may also have provided her with a helping hand. Mrs Larkins became a vegetarian in her 20’s but converted to a raw vegan diet 27 years ago.

I’d guess that most people become vegetarian or vegan for health or ethical reasons, and it’s less likely that people would become a vegan for the sake of vanity alone. There has to be some other pay-off. But doesn’t it feel good to know that by consuming large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, we could delay the aging process? A surprising and pleasant bonus if you like.

While I do admit to being in awe of the way Annette Larkins looks, what really stands out for me in the ABC interview is how vibrant she is; the way she talks about how good she feels and the way her husband proudly describes how accomplished she is in other areas of her life.

This, for me, is what a healthy vegetarian lifestyle is all about. I’m not a raw vegan, but I do include lots of raw fruit and vegetables in my diet and I’m a big believer in the energy-boosting power of fresh, raw fruit and vegetable juices.

The aging process is about so much more than the way our faces look.

I’d be lying to you if I didn’t confess that I hope to look good as I age, but, for me, that’s not the number one reason for adopting a healthy vegetarian lifestyle, and it obviously isn’t for Annette Larkins either.

As I grow older, I want to have the energy to do all the things I love to do – to continue to travel and experience different cultures, to learn new things – my list is endless as there’s still so much I want to achieve. I honestly believe that my vegetarian diet increases my body’s energy levels and gives me a clearer mind. Since I gave up meat and included more fresh, living foods in my diet, I’ve banished lethargy and brain-fog. Just like Mrs Larkins, I wake up each day feeling full of life, bursting with energy and excited about each day. Surely that’s what it really means when we use the term anti-aging?

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced any pleasant side effects as the result of your vegetarian or vegan diet, linked to your appearance or anything else? Please feel free to comment below.

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3 Responses to 70-year-old US grandmother discovers her fountain of youth

How do you find Annette Larkins youthful appearance at her age? Do YOU believe that her vegetarian diet has contributed a lot to her appearance today? Post your comments or thoughts below. We’d love to hear from you!

Yes I do believe Annette’s looks are down to great natural veges, fruits and nuts and that precious source known as H2O that we all need daily.
She looks great and there’s nothing fake about what she say’s. I wish I too could change my eating habits and I wish fruits, nuts and veges weren’t so expensive to buy.
One question I would like to ask is does Annette take supplements to help her each day or not? So many people are taking supplements to replace or support foods they would otherwise need to eat to keep and stay healthy.
I wish Dr Oz would invite Annette to his show so everyone can see the awesome benefits of eating fruits, nuts and vegetables and that great life sustaining H2O WATER.